In the wise words of Madonna: Holiday! Celebrate! To get in the seasonal spirit, we're embracing all things icy cold and steamy hot. If you're looking for suggestion for a fun and festive (nearly) winter day, we rounded up the best spots for indoor and outdoor ice skating, then where to warm up with a cozy sip — or two — of hot chocolate.
Best Places to Get Hot Chocolate
Fresh & Fancy Farms, New Milford
Starting December 4 through December 19, you can head to the farm every Thursday and Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm for a fresh batch of hot chocolate and s'mores. Just head to the hot chocolate hut for a steamy cup and enjoy with Santa's cookies. Feeling even more in the mood to treat yourself? Grab one of the s'mores kits to enjoy by the roaring fire.
No pre-mix packets here. The hot chocolate at Humphrey's Coffee is fresh, rich, and flavorful. In addition to their standard hot chocolate, you can grab a cup of nutella hot chocolate, or order off the special winter menu, which includes lotsa lattes (think: White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha, Cnickerdoodle, and Cranberry White Chocolate Macadamia), along with the Candy Cane Hot Chocolate that adds the perfect touch of peppermint.
Brownstone Pancake Factory, Englewood Cliffs
Known for their towering milkshakes and over-the-top breakfast items (S'mores Lava Pancakes we're looking at you), Brownstone Pancake Factory has a stacked menu of coffee drinks in addition to decadent hot chocolate options. Indulge in the Ghiradelli Hot Milk Chocolate topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, or seriously treat yourself to the Chocolate Fudge Cake Hot Chocolate that comes in a chocolate frosted cup filled with graham crackers and chocolate fudge cake.
Conrad's Confectionery, Westwood
Conrad's Hot Chocolate Truck is making its way around town and serving up freshly made cups topped with whipped cream and more, well, confections. If you can't catch them on-the-go, stop by the chocolate shop in Westwood for a decadent and cozy treat.
More than a quaint neighborhood coffee shop, Vale has become a go-to spot to sit, sip, and stay away. And its delicious brews and cozy drinks are one of the reasons why. While the menu is filled with coffee drinks and lattes, you can also warm up with a cup of fresh hot chocolate. Choose from creamy cocoa or white chocolate, both of which are topped off with an oversized marshmallow that only adds to the sweetness.
Best Places to Go Ice Skating
Bergen County Winter Wonderland, Paramus
Van Saun County Park transforms into the hottest — or coolest — winter spot during the holiday season, which includes an ice skating rink with timed outdoor skating sessions, along with an icy bumper cars experience. All ages are allowed to skate, and BCWW even has skate aids available to rent for those who are just starting out on the ice.
Bear Mountain Ice Rink, Bear Mountain
For another outdoor ice rink, this one with a scenic view that's hard to beat, head over the Bergen County border to Bear Mountain. With the trees and mountains in the background, it's an easy way to get in some outdoor time and to have a little fun, too. Each session is 1.5 hours with the option to rent skates if you need them. Plus, Santa is visiting the rink on December 20 from 5 pm to 7 pm, giving you all the more reason to lace up.
The Rink Arena at American Dream, East Rutherford
American Dream's rink is open for the season. Located in the middle of the megacenter, this NHL regulation-sized ice rink has plenty of space to spread out. Your ticket secures you to one hour on the ice, which is available from 12 pm to 9 pm on weekends and 11 am to 8 pm on weekdays. And while you're there, it's the perfect opportunity to get in some holiday shopping for literally everyone on your list.
This seasonal outdoor ice rink is now open through mid-March, offering a fun place for the whole family to go. This year, you can not only take advantage of its open skate times, but also the themed skate nights and improved amenities and youth skating lessons. The littlest ones can confidently hit the ice, too, thanks to available skating aids to help keep their balance while they glide.
Public skating sessions at the Ice House, which is often occupied by in-house hockey teams, happen at different times throughout the week, so be sure to check the website for the schedule. All experience levels are welcome, and skate rental is included in the $25 price. Plus, you can stay for as long as you'd like during the open skate time, which can be up to several hours long.
Palisades Center Ice Rink, West Nyack
Open year round, now is the ideal time to visit the ice rink at the Palisades Center — and get in a little holiday shopping or a visit with Santa, too. The rink typically doesn't get too overcrowded, and it's a manageable size for families with kids of all ages to enjoy. Public skating is only $13 with an additional $5 for rentals, and it gives you an all-access pass to the rink for an hour and 20 minutes.
